Rock beauty angelfish

Care at a glance

Overview

This is a difficult angel that needs a mature 340 litre or larger tank with abundant live rock and, ideally, sponge-based angelfish foods at 23 to 27 C. Many specimens refuse prepared food and slowly starve, so it is best left to experienced keepers who can provide sponge and vary the diet. It nips soft and stony corals and clam mantles, so treat it as reef safe only with caution. Keep one per tank in a calm, low-stress setting.

In the wild

The rock beauty is the smallest Atlantic Holacanthus, with a black body framed in bright yellow. It sticks close to reef ledges and caves and spends much of its day picking at sponges. It is more timid and easily stressed than other large angels. Wild adults rely heavily on sponge in their diet.

Good to know

Holacanthus tricolor reaches about 35 cm and feeds mainly on sponges in the wild. Its heavy sponge dependence makes it one of the harder marine angels to sustain in captivity. Juveniles wear a blue-ringed black spot that fades with age.

Common questions

Related species

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